Lucknow to Become a Defence Hub, Says Rajnath Singh — India’s Strength Grows with Atmanirbhar Bharat
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Lucknow is set to emerge as a major defence hub, highlighting that India’s strength has significantly increased under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. He emphasized that boosting domestic defence manufacturing has not only enhanced national security but also positioned India as a rising force in the global defence sector.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Ashok Leyland’s manufacturing facility in Lucknow on Friday. During the visit, which marked the inauguration of the electric vehicle plant, he reviewed the production of light tactical vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, mine-protected vehicles, and logistics drones being manufactured at the facility. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present on the occasion.
In his inaugural address, the Defence Minister said that the government has established a Defence Corridor in Uttar Pradesh. Arms and ammunition for the armed forces are now being manufactured in cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Chitrakoot, and Aligarh.
Rajnath Singh stated that investments worth over ₹34,000 crore have already been made in the state. Major companies are setting up manufacturing units, directly benefiting local communities. He also noted that a BrahMos missile factory has been established in Lucknow, the impact of which was evident during Operation Sindoor. India, he said, is now manufacturing its own weapons, and Uttar Pradesh continues to play a crucial role in this strategic transformation.
He further said that the Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a dedicated Aerospace and Defence Unit and Employment Promotion Policy. This initiative aims to develop the state into a major hub for large-scale defence manufacturing. Emphasizing self-reliance in the defence sector, Rajnath Singh said that under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, the defence sector has made significant progress. India’s domestic defence production has increased from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to ₹1.5 lakh crore today. Defence exports currently stand at ₹25,000 crore and are expected to reach ₹50,000 crore by 2030.
Speaking on industrialization in the state, the Defence Minister said that Uttar Pradesh, once known for disorder, is now entering a new era driven by industrial growth. He said the Ashok Leyland electric vehicle plant will greatly benefit local residents and play a key role in achieving the state’s economic goals. While the plant was originally scheduled to be completed in 60 months, it was completed in a record 18 months. The facility will produce 2,500 electric vehicles annually.